In my garden, there are several beds of perennials. Each bed has a different name in order to identify it when I am describing a location to my husband. Apart from the obvious, like the Iris Bed and the Hosta Garden, there are the Serendipity Garden, the Garden of White Light, and Cherry Lane.

One of my favourite spots is the Butterfly Garden, which lies on one side of the pergola. The pergola, an open wooden structure covered with vines, is named Tuvayesva, a Hopi name that means "Butterfly Resting". I like butterflies, not just because they are beautiful, but because they are deaf and I am hearing impaired. I can identify with the way they flit from one spot to another, never staying too long in one place. Sipping nectar from one beautiful bloom then another, they are free to fly and roam to the next bed, rarely resting, but always busy, enjoying the sunshine.

My husband once wrote a song called Complications about a friend who needed encouragement to free herself from a toxic relationship. Stuck, she just needed to take that first step in order to escape. Then, she could spread her wings, broaden her horizon, and fly into a better future as a changed person.

(Chorus)
Like a butterfly break free;
I know you can so easily.
Soar to heights as yet unknown, my friend,
And make a life to call your own.

In the Old Testament, a man named Jabez asked God to bless him and enlarge his territory (1 Chronicles 4:10). He knew that there was more to life. He wanted to broaden his horizon. Jabez wanted to fly! God granted his request.

Christians are like that butterfly, breaking free of our old life and metamorphosing into a creature of beauty. It may be a struggle, but it is worth it. We were meant to live the abundant life that God planned for us since the beginning of time. He makes each one of us unique, giving us different backgrounds, and equipping us with gifts and abilities for doing His will.

Jeremiah 1:5a – Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart. (NIV)

John 3:3b – No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. (NIV)

2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (NIV)

If you haven't made this decision, I encourage you to take a step of faith today. When we ask God to forgive our sins and take over our life — just a few simple words from the heart — we are born again. God's Spirit gives us a completely new life, and like a butterfly, we will soar to heights unknown.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, please forgive my sins. You sacrificed Your life on the cross so that I might live for You and with You forever. You created me on purpose; You do not make mistakes. Make me new and clean, Lord, and let me break free like a butterfly. Amen.

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About the author:

JJ Ollerenshaw <sandjollie86@gmail.com>
Belleville, Ontario, Canada
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